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Chapter 19 : The Final Liberation of Sant Mahipati Maharaj
- Jul 24
- 2 min read
From Ladoba Prakashan's book 'Sant Mahipati by Dattatrey Naikwade
The hallowed garden of Sant Mahipati Maharaj at Shri Kshetra Tahharabad was a sanctuary of divine serenity, adorned with verdant trees, fragrant blossoms, and sacred Tulsi vrindavans. To this day, an ancient behda tree from that era stands as a silent witness to the past. Following the unfortunate accident when he fell from his horse, the Maharaj's health steadily declined, bringing mounting physical distress.
When his devoted disciple, Dhondibhau, approached him during these trying hours, the Maharaj spoke with unshakeable calm:
"My earthly mission draws to its close; soon, I shall journey toward Vaikuntha."
Hearing these words, a wave of profound sorrow crushed Dhondibhau’s heart, and bitter tears streamed from his eyes. In a voice heavy with anguish, he begged his master to speak no more of departure. With sublime spiritual poise, the Maharaj replied:
"Just as a borrowed object must eventually be returned to its rightful owner, so too must this mortal dwelling, fashioned from the five elements, be surrendered back to destiny once its work is done. I was born into this world solely to fulfill the divine mandate of chronicling the lives of the saints. Now, by the grace and command of Pandurang and Sadguru Tukobaraya, that entrusted service is complete, and it is time to offer this vessel back to the Lord."
The Final Ascent
The year was Shaka 1672, and the sacred day of Shravan Vadya Ekadashi dawned. True to his lifelong ascetic vow, the Maharaj partook of a single meal on Dashami, observed a strict waterless fast (nirjala) through Ekadashi, and partook of one meal again on Dwadashi.
As the dawn broke on Shravan Vadya Dwadashi, the Kakada Aarti resonated through the air. After completing his daily spiritual disciplines, offering food to the Divine, and seeing that all his disciples had broken their fast, the Maharaj walked quietly into the temple. Standing before the deity with joined palms, he offered a prayer of exquisite devotion—a silent farewell to all he held dear.
Murmuring softly, "Now I depart toward my eternal home," at the stroke of two in the afternoon on that sacred Dwadashi of Shaka 1672, the great saint dissolved completely and utterly into the holy feet of Lord Vitthal.
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